Cost of living in Lithuania: Food, transport, and more

If you are considering moving or spending some time in Lithuania in 2026, you may be surprised at how affordable it can be. This Baltic country offers a good quality of life, and in many respects, it remains less expensive than other European destinations. In this article, you will find a clear overview of the cost of living in Lithuania, so you can better understand how much money you might need each month.

Rent is usually one of the biggest expenses, although outside the centers of major cities it can be surprisingly affordable. Groceries remain reasonably priced, public transportation is both efficient and inexpensive, and services such as high speed internet stand out for their strong value for money. Even healthcare tends to be moderately priced compared with other European countries.

If you are trying to decide whether Lithuania fits your budget, here you will see how everyday expenses are typically distributed and how affordable or costly life there can be depending on your lifestyle. Keep reading to explore the details that will help you make a practical and well informed decision!

Average cost of accommodation in Lithuania

Before deciding where to live in Lithuania, it’s helpful to understand the different types of housing available and how they fit various budgets and lifestyles. From short term stays to options for those planning to stay several months, the country offers comfortable, well equipped accommodations that let you live comfortably without overspending. Below, we review the most common choices and their average costs so you can compare and make the best decision for your situation.

Hotels (short stay)

If you’re only in Lithuania for a few days or need a temporary spot while searching for a longer stay, a mid range 3★ hotel can be a comfortable and practical choice. In Vilnius and other key cities, you can typically expect to pay around $65 to $85 per night.

Furnished apartments (monthly rent)

For longer stays, renting a furnished apartment is the most common choice. In Vilnius, a one bedroom apartment in a central or well connected area typically costs between $710 and $985 per month, while prices drop to $495–655 in residential neighborhoods. In cities like Kaunas or Klaipėda, rents are generally more affordable, ranging from $385–550 outside the city center to $600–770 in central locations.

Coliving (shared spaces with services)

Coliving is becoming an increasingly popular option for young professionals and digital nomads, offering both accommodation and services with minimal hassle. A well equipped space usually runs between $550 and $770 per month and often includes Wi-Fi and access to shared areas.

Airbnb (vacation rentals)

If you want flexibility or aren’t planning a long term lease, Airbnb can be a good temporary solution. In major cities, the average nightly rate is around $70 to $85. Some hosts offer discounts for longer stays, but it’s generally more expensive than renting an apartment by the month.

Cost of food in Lithuania

Food is one of the biggest daily expenses and plays a key role in the cost of living in Lithuania. Whether you like cooking at home or eating out regularly, prices are generally consistent and affordable compared with many other European countries.

In this section, we’ll look at the prices of everyday items in regular supermarkets and the typical costs of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at restaurants geared toward locals, giving you a clear idea of what you might spend each month.

Food prices in supermarkets

Reference chain: Lidl / Rimi / Máxima (very common throughout the country).

A resident who cooks at home mostly spends between $250 and $350 per month on food, depending on habits and city.

Eating out: Average prices in restaurants

Here is a rough idea of what you would pay in typical restaurants for residents, excluding luxury options:

• Breakfast: Coffee (cappuccino) in a café: ~$3.30, Simple breakfast (coffee + sandwich): ~$5.50–7.70, depending on the place.
• Lunch: Daily special/budget meal at a local restaurant: ~$10–13. Fast food combo (such as a Big Mac Meal): ~$8.60.
• Dinner: Dinner at a mid-range restaurant for one person: ~$17–22. Dinner for two at a casual restaurant: ~$38–55.

Eating out in Lithuania is generally more affordable than in Western Europe. A typical lunch with a drink often costs about the same as a modest grocery shopping trip, making it realistic to dine out a few times a month without overspending.

Transportation prices in Lithuania

Getting around Lithuania is straightforward and often cheaper than in many other European countries, which helps keep the overall cost of living reasonable. Cities are well linked, distances are easy to handle, and there are transport options for every lifestyle, from public transit to driving or cycling. Here, we’ll take a closer look at typical daily travel costs and how they can affect your monthly budget.

Public transportation

Using public transportation in Lithuania is easy and very affordable. A single bus or tram ticket costs about $1.16 per ride. If you travel every day, an unlimited monthly pass is a much better deal, usually around $35. In cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, the system is clean, reliable, and widely used by locals, making it a convenient option for daily commuting or getting around town.

Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber

Taxis in Lithuania are reasonably priced and apps like Bolt or Uber are popular options since you can see the fare upfront. The base fare is usually around $2.90 to $3.50 with roughly $1.16 per kilometer. A short ride of 10 to 15 minutes generally costs between $6 and $9 depending on traffic and the time of day.

Fuel and electric cars

If you plan to own a car, fuel prices in Lithuania are fairly consistent. Gasoline typically costs between $1.60 and $1.80 per liter, while diesel is around $1.70 to $1.78. For electric cars, public charging rates vary by operator and power, but usually range from $0.40 to $0.57 per kWh.

Bicycle rental

Bicycles are a popular way to get around, especially when the weather is nice. Renting a bike for a few hours usually costs between $11.60 and $17.40, while a full day rental is typically $14 to $22. For multi day rentals, prices generally start around $41 and increase depending on the duration and type of bike.

Insurance and vehicle purchase

In Lithuania, having car liability insurance is mandatory, with annual premiums typically starting at a few hundred dollars, depending on the car model and driver profile. If you’re considering buying a new car, popular compact models like the Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Golf usually range from $28,000 to $39,000, with the final price depending on features and financing options.

Healthcare costs in Lithuania

Healthcare is an important part of your budget when moving to a new country and has a direct impact on the cost of living in Lithuania. The system is set up so that both residents and foreigners can access medical care, though costs and conditions vary depending on whether you use public insurance or private services. Below, we explain how it works and what you can expect to pay for different types of care.

Access to the public healthcare system as a foreigner

If you settle in Lithuania with residency and are employed or registered as a taxpayer, you can access the public healthcare system through the Compulsory Health Insurance (CHI). This gives you coverage for basic medical care without paying out of pocket for consultations or treatments included in the plan, as long as you go to clinics that accept public insurance and are registered with a primary care doctor.

If you come as a tourist or aren’t registered in the national insurance system, you’ll need to pay for medical services yourself or take out an international private health insurance plan to cover consultations and treatments.

Cost of private health insurance

Having private health insurance in Lithuania can provide faster access to care and cover services not included in the public system.

• Basic international/private insurance: Approximately $55–165 per month, depending on coverage and age.
• More comprehensive or international plans (e.g., for expats or long-term stays): Up to $110–330 per month, depending on coverage and benefits.

Healthcare prices in Lithuania

In Lithuania, healthcare costs can vary significantly depending on whether you use the public system with national insurance or pay directly for private care. At private clinics, a visit to a general practitioner usually costs between $22 and $55, while seeing a specialist is typically around $50 to $110. Many people choose private care to avoid long waits and get quick appointments.

For more complex procedures, costs rise. In the private sector, an appendectomy can run around $2,500 to $5,000, and a night in a private hospital room usually costs between $55 and $220. If you’re covered by public insurance, many of these services may be fully or partially covered, though some treatments may still require out of pocket payments.

Over-the-counter medication prices

Buying medicine or pharmacy products in Lithuania is generally quite affordable, though prices can vary depending on the brand and the pharmacy.

• Common painkillers (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol): These usually cost $2.20–6.60 per pack or blister pack.
• Antibiotics or prescription medications can cost between $5.50–16.50 without insurance.
• Other non-prescription medicines (antacids, antihistamines, vitamins): These tend to be in a similar price range, around $3.30–1.

At pharmacies, presenting a prescription with valid insurance can reduce the cost of medicines included in the state list or through insurance reimbursement.

Prices for internet and calling plans

Fixed home internet in Lithuania is fast and affordable, which helps keep living costs manageable, particularly in cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda where fiber optic connections are widespread. A basic unlimited plan usually runs between $22 and $33 per month, offering speeds of 100 to 300 Mbps, enough for streaming, remote work, and video calls. Faster plans with speeds from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps typically cost $38 to $44 per month, still lower than in many other European countries.

Local mobile plans (calls and data)

Mobile plans in Lithuania are affordable and designed for everyday use by residents. Local carriers offer packages with unlimited national calls and generous data allowances, starting at around $11 to $15 per month for plans with over 100 GB of data. More comprehensive plans with very high or nearly unlimited data usually cost between $16 and $27 per month, making them an affordable option if you rely heavily on your phone for internet and communication.

How to get internet and save money in Lithuania?

If you want to save money, skip long term contracts, or have data ready the moment you arrive, Holafly’s monthly plans are a great option. They use eSIM, so you don’t need to visit a store or change SIM cards.

With a single subscription, you can choose between 25 GB or unlimited data to use in Lithuania and over 160 other countries, making it perfect if you plan to travel around Europe without worrying about roaming charges. There is also an eSIM for short stays, but if you’re planning to stay for a few months or live in Lithuania, the monthly plans are the most convenient and cost effective choice.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Cost of leisure activities in Lithuania

Experiencing cultural events, entertainment, and sightseeing in Lithuania can fit comfortably into your budget once you have a sense of the local costs. Whether it’s going to the movies, exploring museums, or visiting well known landmarks, understanding these prices makes it easier to plan your leisure time without overspending.

• Movies and regular leisure activities: A movie ticket typically costs around $7.70 to $9.90. Other city activities, like renting a tennis court, usually run about $30 per hour, depending on the location.
• Museums and cultural venues: Tickets are generally quite affordable. Popular museums cost around $13, while smaller museums or galleries typically range from $5.50 to $8.80.
• Zoos and family attractions: Admission to outdoor recreational areas usually ranges from $11 to $14.50, with potential discounts if you use tourist cards.
• Theater and live shows: Tickets for a play, concert, or local cultural event typically range from $15.50 to $28.60, depending on the event and seating.
• Tourist attractions: Entry to major landmarks usually starts around $15.50 to $17.70. Many smaller attractions and museums are more affordable, with tickets ranging from $4.40 to $8.80.
• Streaming and digital entertainment: Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, or Spotify cost approximately $11–16.5/month, depending on the plan.

How much does it cost to live in Lithuania?

The cost of living in Lithuania is moderate compared with other European countries, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a good balance between quality and expenses. On average, a single person can live comfortably on a monthly budget of around $980 to $1,420, covering standard housing, a mix of groceries and eating out, public transport, basic utilities, internet, and some leisure activities. For a couple, monthly expenses usually range from $1,530 to $2,070, since many costs, especially housing and utilities, are shared. A small family can expect a monthly budget between $2,400 and $3,050, depending on housing choices, transport use, and lifestyle.

Overall, Lithuania comes across as an affordable destination, with reasonably priced food, efficient transport, strong digital connectivity, and accessible healthcare, making it an appealing choice for both locals and foreigners planning a medium or long term stay.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Lithuania

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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